[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RUTH NUSSBAUM

                                 ______


                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 1996

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to my good 
friend Ruth Nussbaum, who was a fervent supporter of Israel even before 
the founding of the country in 1948. She has worked tirelessly and 
dedicated much of her life to Israel and the Jewish people. Ruth is a 
dear friend of my uncle, Jack Shapiro and I have often heard him speak 
of her with great affection and respect. Jack and his late wife, my 
aunt Dora had tremendous admiration for the work done by Ruth and her 
late husband, Rabbi Max Nussbaum.
  Born in Berlin, Ruth and her family emigrated to the United States 
from Germany in 1940, as Hitler's plans for the Jews became clear. They 
settled first in Oklahoma, where Max was rabbi at Temple Beth Ahava, 
and then moved to Los Angeles in September 1942. Soon after arriving in 
Los Angeles Max became rabbi at Temple Israel of Hollywood, and Ruth 
settled into a lifetime of activism.
  From her first year in America, she enlisted in efforts to save 
European Jews from the Nazis. Her goal was getting the Jews to 
Palestine. After World War II, she became involved in the movement to 
lift immigration limitations in Palestine, and the establishment of 
Israel as an independent nation.
  Following the death of Rabbi Nussbaum in 1974, Ruth increased her 
activities on behalf of Israel. She served for many years as Zionist 
affairs and program chair for the Los Angeles Chapter of Hadassah, and 
was chair of Israel Bonds' Women's Division and Advisory Council. In 
1977 she was a founding member of the Association of Reform Zionists of 
America [ARZA], the Zionist affiliate of the Union of American Hebrew 
Congregations.
  Ruth has visited Israel at least 20 times, attending missions, 
serving as a delegate to the World Zionist Congress and visiting her 
nieces and nephews. In this way she combines love for her family with 
love for her people.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Ruth Nussbaum, a 
woman whose selflessness and dedication is a shining example for us 
all. I am proud to be her friend.

                          ____________________